Gender of Nouns PDF
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This document provides a comprehensive overview of noun gender in English grammar. It explains the concept of gender as a grammatical category affecting nouns and pronouns and further details different categories of noun gender, with examples of use. Examples of different rules for masculine, feminine, and neutral are included, and the document concludes with a set of references.
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Gender of Nouns from the book internet research Gender is a distinction according to sex. → What is Gender in grammar? According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the term ‘gender’ is defined...
Gender of Nouns from the book internet research Gender is a distinction according to sex. → What is Gender in grammar? According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the term ‘gender’ is defined as “each of the classes (masculine, feminine, and sometimes neuter) into which nouns, pronouns, and adjectives are divided; the division of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives into these different genders. Different genders may have different endings, etc.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines gender as “a subclass within a grammatical class (such as noun, pronoun, adjective, or verb) of a language that is partly arbitrary but also partly based on distinguishable characteristics and that determines agreement with and selection of other words or grammatical forms” A noun or pronoun referring to a male being is of the MASCULINE gender. Ex. Robert, boy, butler, brother, father, uncle, boar, he A noun or pronoun referring to a female being is of the FEMININE gender. Ex. Juliet, girl, hen, waitress, maid, aunt, mother, spinster, sow, she another example: "blonde/blond" ▪ "Blond" (for males): When used as a noun, "blond" refers specifically to a fair-haired male. For example: The blond has a unique dancing style. ▪ "Blonde" (for females): When used as a noun, "blonde" refers specifically to a fair-haired female. For example: The blonde has a unique dancing style. A noun or pronoun referring to a thing without life is of the NEUTER gender. Ex. pen, water, light, book, clock, glasses A noun or pronoun which is sometimes masculine and sometimes feminine is referred to be of COMMON gender. Ex. bird, speaker, artist, animal, Philippines, musician, patient, neighbor → RULE 1 The gender of masculine and feminine of many kinds or classes of live beings have definite terms: Ex. Gender of Nouns While the DUCK laid her eggs, the DRAKE stood beside her. The WITCH had more time for witchcraft than the WIZARD. "The suitor, a nobleman seeking to win the hand of the shrew, used various strategies." (Shakespeare, W. The Taming of the Shrew, Act 1, Scene 2) → RULE 2 Some masculine nouns form their feminine gender by adding an ending like ESS; INE; IX. Ex. The Empress Dowager had ruled China for decades, a woman who wielded immense power in a world dominated by men. “Elizabeth Bennet, the novel’s heroine, challenges social expectations with her wit and independence." (Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. 1813) In the legal documents, the testator appointed his daughter as the executrix of his will, entrusting her with the responsibility of settling his estate. → RULE 3 A few feminine words become masculine by the addition of ER or GROOM. Ex. The WIDOWER lost his wife last month leaving the three children with him. The BRIDEGROOM carried his BRIDE as they entered their house. → RULE 4 Gender is sometimes shown with the addition of MAN, WOMAN, MAID, BOY and GIRL. Ex. The HOUSEBOY cleaned the garage while the HOUSEMAID cleaned the house. The POLICEMAN at the scene of the crime provided crucial details about the investigation to Sherlock Holmes. Gender of Nouns → RULE 5 A noun or pronoun is sometimes prefixed to a noun to show the gender. Ex. Her BOYFRIEND told Gilda to finish her studies first before they get married. The SHE-WOLF led her pack with strength and determination. References: gender noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com. (n.d.). https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/gender gender. (2024). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/gender blonde/blond (n.d.). Gender: Explanation and examples. https://www.grammar- monster.com/glossary/gender.htm